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Shape-Sensing Robotic Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Lesions in Children.
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  • Guillermo Beltran Ale,
  • Ryne Simpson,
  • Christopher Mertens,
  • Elsa Santillana,
  • Benjamin Hill,
  • Waldermar Carlo,
  • Hitesh Batra
Guillermo Beltran Ale
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Ryne Simpson
University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Christopher Mertens
University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Elsa Santillana
University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Benjamin Hill
Children’s of Alabama
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Waldermar Carlo
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics
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Hitesh Batra
University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Abstract

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful transbronchial biopsy via RB in a 5-year-old patient. The sample revealed a potential diagnosis, but more importantly, helped rule out an active infectious process and avoided an open lung biopsy which was being planned and would have otherwise been necessary to establish a diagnosis. We believe this technology can be used to increase the diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy, particularly in the immunocompromised population as there is already evidence supporting image-guided bronchoscopy over conventional bronchoscopy in this population [(4)](#ref-0004). A notable limitation to RB is the size of the available bronchoscopes for robotic platforms (4.5 and 3.5 mm OD). In children, this may limit the capacity to sample more peripheral lesions via fine needle aspiration, as more lung tissue (relative to chest size) may be injured. In our case, the catheter tip was never as close to the lesion as it has been described in adults [(2)](#ref-0002). As the field of pediatric interventional pulmonology continues to develop, RB will likely be one of several options available for safe and high-yield diagnostic procedures.
12 Nov 2022Submitted to Pediatric Pulmonology
12 Nov 2022Submission Checks Completed
12 Nov 2022Assigned to Editor
12 Nov 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 Nov 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Dec 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
04 Jan 20231st Revision Received
04 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
04 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
04 Jan 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Jan 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
23 Jan 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
24 Jan 20232nd Revision Received
24 Jan 2023Submission Checks Completed
24 Jan 2023Assigned to Editor
24 Jan 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
24 Jan 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 Jan 2023Editorial Decision: Accept